$58.99

(buy 6 or more)

$59.99

Expert Reviews

95 Points - Bob Campbell MW - The Real ReviewA blend of 40% pinot noir, 40% pinot meunier and 20% chardonnay with 20% reserve wines and around six years on the yeast lees. Quite a tactile Champagne with good weight and mouth-feel. A strong bready yeast autolysis character, smooth texture and lengthy finish. A serious Champagne offering value at this price

90 Points - Roger Voss - Wine EnthusiastCrisp and fruity, this mature-tasting wine has a fine toasty element in the background. Ripe and full with a creamy texture and warming aftertaste, it's ready to drink.

90 Points - James SucklingThis has a swathe of red-fruit and spiced-biscuit aromas that lead to a palate that has a very fine, soft and approachable feel. Drink now.

International Wine ReviewLook out, Moët, Pol Roger and Lanson … there’s a ‘new’ champagne on the scene that’s determined to win its share of the spotlight. You may not be as familiar with Champagne Castelnau as some of the more famous houses, but this hundred-year-old Reims vineyard is in fact one of the Champagne region’s best-kept secrets.
The non-vintage Brut Réserve is the definitive Castelnau cuvée, described by Elisabeth Sarcelet as ‘the spirit of a vintage champagne in the body of a non-vintage one’. This is thanks to both the extensive lees aging and the blend, which includes 20% reserve wine. The result is an expressive and vibrant champagne with those characteristic toasty notes and a hint of praline. But that’s not all – take another sip and you’ll be delighted by warm, comforting hints of almond, apricot and peach, with a fabulously fresh finish.

Jamie Goode - Wine AnorakThis is unusual for a wine at this price in that it has been aged for six years on its lees. It’s fine and toasty with nice freshness. Citrussy and taut with some bready notes, and faint hints of cheese and fine herbs, as well as a hint of apricot and some almond nuttiness. Lovely intensity here: it’s rich but not too rich.

Tech stuff

How's it taste?

First impressions arouse the curiosity of the taster as they deliver a level of aromatic complexity rarely found in a non vintage Brut. The strength of the toasty notes from the Chardonnay recedes gradually to allow the sensation of spicy overtones of thyme and bay leaf to emerge. There are hints of white tobacco and dried flowers as well. Thanks to the presence of the reserve wines in the blend you begin to find warm praline flavours and toasted, grilled notes: gingerbread, almond, hazelnut are balanced by fruit notes of peach and ripe apricots. The freshness on the palate comes from the Chardonnay in the blend and this brings elegance to the finished wine.
The spirit of a vintage champagne in the body of a non vintage one is perhaps the best way to describe the Brut Réserve.
Thanks to the presence of the reserve wines in the blend you begin to find warm praline flavours and toasted, grilled notes: gingerbread, almond, hazelnut are balanced by fruit notes of peach and ripe apricots. The freshness on the palate comes from the Chardonnay in the blend and this brings elegance to the finished wine.

How was it made?

To create the Brut Réserve we have put together a blend where the subtlety and complexity of the Pinots are perfectly expressed and where the character of the Chardonnay adds, as if by alchemy, balance and style. The alchemist sought to turn base metal into gold, and when you close your eyes and taste you might think that our Chef de Caves has almost succeeded !

The reserve wines in the blend add maturity and complexity, and this is enhanced by an extended ageing of at least 6 years which is quite exceptional in Champagne. This refined champagne, perfect both as an aperitif and with the finest of food has a remarkable freshness on the finish.

Who made it?

Located in the heart of Reims Champagne Castelnau represents the very essence of the region with access to 900 hectares of vineyards across 155 crus creating a unique grape growers collective that guarantees exceptional supply possibilities for the production of outstanding Champagne.
Known for its extensive lees aging, Champagne Castelnau has a long established reputation for its top quality range which includes Brut Réserve (five years on lees), Brut Rosé (four years on lees), Blanc de Blancs (twelve years on lees) and Brut Vintage (twelve years on lees).

Not quite what you’re looking for?

Sarah Linhart

Wine Buyer

As a wine buyer, the first question people ask me is, ‘What’s your to favourite wine?’ Not a difficult question, right? Well, it’s not always that simple, as it depends on so many different factors such as; the occasion, the weather, or the food I’m eating. So, if you’re having trouble finding the right wine today, never fear, it happens to all of us! And to help make things easier, I have selected some of my personal favourites.